Defence

Factsheet

Operations in Afghanistan: Chronology of Events

Coalition military activity is summarised below, with links to more extensive briefings where available.

The UK is providing a number of British military and civilian personnel in support of NATO-led military operations in Afghanistan. The UK contribution, which began in October 2001 following the terrorist attacks on the United States, has helped to bring about the fall of the Taliban regime. This
subsequently paved the way for the first ever parliamentary elections in Afghanistan which took place
on 18 September 2005.

British Forces, under the command of the International Security Assistance Force and along with US and other allies from the international
community, continue to work with the new, democratically-elected Afghan Government to build stability and maintain security across the country.

From providing Harrier air support for ground troops to receiving freight from the UK, RAF personnel deployed to Kandahar Airfield have been undertaking all manner of jobs supporting operations in Afghanistan. In the third of our four articles we look at the work of a Harrier pilot.

From providing Harrier air support for ground troops to receiving freight from the UK, RAF personnel deployed to Kandahar Airfield have been undertaking all manner of jobs supporting operations in Afghanistan. In the second of our four articles we look at the work of the Duty Air Movements Officer.

After repelling a week-long attack from Taliban insurgents when they arrived at Forward Operating Base Keenan, 3 Company Coldstream Guards have since been undertaking daily patrols to weed out the remaining pockets of enemy in the surrounding area. Report by Neil Weddell.

3 Mar 08

Soldiers from 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards are deployed in the volatile 'green zone' of Helmand province, scene of some fierce fighting between UK troops and elements of the Taliban in the last year. Report by Neil Weddell.

An Army officer from the Light Dragoons has overcome a serious injury sustained while on operations in Afghanistan to ski to success at this year's Army UK Divisional Alpine Ski Championships in France.

The Vikings are unstoppable in Afghanistan. The All Terrain Protected Vehicles' arrival at a scene of conflict instils relief in British Troops, confidence in the local population and, perhaps most importantly, fear in the Taliban. Report by Danny Chapman.

24 Jan 08

Trained to sniff out explosive ordnance or stop intruders on a base, the military dogs deployed in Afghanistan can often be the difference between life and death for UK personnel. But the dogs are only one half of a team. Report by Danny Chapman.

The UK's Commander of 52 Infantry Brigade in Helmand province, Brigadier Andrew Mackay, has been talking about the progress he believes is being made by UK troops in southern Afghanistan.

14 Jan 08

Amongst 80 volunteer army medics who have just flown out to work at the British Field Hospital in Camp Bastion, southern Afghanistan are a carpenter, girl guide leader, helicopter pilot and a couple with three children. Report by Jason Impey.